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Government of Canada Travel Advisory

Last Updated: August 31, 2017 17:02 EST1. RECENT UPDATESThe Safety and security tab was updated - tensions on the Korean Peninsula.2. ADVISORIESHong Kong - Exercise normal security precautionsThere is no nationwide advisory in effect for Hong Kong. Exercise normal security precautions.Hong Kong is a special administrative region (SAR) of the People's Republic of China.3. SECURITYDemonstrationsDemonstrations occasionally occur in Hong Kong, sometimes on short notice. Though they are usually conducted in a peaceful and orderly manner, some have occasionally turned violent. Monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities. Avoid areas where demonstrations or large gatherings are being held and exercise caution at all times.CrimeThe crime rate in Hong Kong is relatively low. Petty crime such as pickpocketing and purse snatching occurs, especially at the airport, on public transportation and in main tourist shopping areas, hotel lobbies and crowded streets. Bags left unattended are likely to be stolen. Ensure that your personal belongings, passports and other travel documents are secure at all times.Robberies, some targeting foreigners, have occurred in the shopping and entertainment districts in Shenzhen Special Economic Zone, located across the border from Hong Kong in mainland China's Guangdong province. Be extremely vigilant while in Shenzhen, and travel with a friend or in a group. Carry copies of passports and other identification and a small supply of cash separate from your other personal belongings.Foreigners have been targeted in incidents of drink spiking, which is often combined with theft or credit card fraud. Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers, and pay careful attention when drinks are being prepared and served.Tensions on the Korean PeninsulaTensions on the neighbouring Korean Peninsula could escalate with little notice and the security situation could deteriorate suddenly. Tensions may increase before, during and after North Korean nuclear and missile tests, military exercises or as the result of incidents or military activities at or near the inter-Korean border. Monitor developments, remain vigilant and follow the instructions of local authorities. We strongly recommend that Canadians register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service to receive latest updates.Road safetyTraffic is congested in urban areas. Roads are narrow and frequently unmarked. Public transportation is widely available. Taxi drivers speak little or no English; you should therefore have your destination written in Chinese.Air travelThe Government of Canada does not assess foreign domestic airlines' compliance with international aviation safety standards. See Foreign domestic airlines for more information.4. ENTRY / EXIT REQUIREMENTSIt is the sole prerogative of every country or territory to determine who is allowed to enter or exit. Canadian consular officials cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet entry or exit requirements. The following information has been obtained from the Chinese authorities and is subject to change at any time. The country- or territory-specific entry/exit requirements are provided on this page for information purposes only. While every effort is made to provide accurate information, information contained here is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, express or implied. The Government of Canada assumes no responsibility, and shall not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided. It is your responsibility to check with the Embassy of the People's Republic of China or one of its consulates for up-to-date information.PassportCanadians must present a passport to visit Hong Kong, which must be valid for at least one month beyond the date of expected departure from that country. Prior to travelling, ask your transportation company about its requirements related to passport validity, which may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.Temporary passport holders may be subject to different entry requirements. Check with diplomatic representatives for up-to-date information.Official (special and diplomatic) passport holders must consult the Official Travel page, as they may be subject to different entry requirements.VisasTourist visa: Not required (for stays of up to 90 days)Business visa: Not required (for stays of up to 90 days)Student visa: RequiredCanadians travelling to mainland China via Hong Kong must obtain a Chinese visa before arrival. Canadian travellers who are not Hong Kong residents should seek information from the nearest Chinese embassy or consulate and apply for entry visas before leaving Canada. Canadian residents in Hong Kong are encouraged to seek detailed information from the Office of the Commissioner of China's foreign ministry in Hong Kong. Travellers entering Hong Kong from mainland China and then leaving Hong Kong via the mainland should have a visa for that re-entry. Consult Travel Advice and Advisories for China for more information regarding travel to mainland China.Temperature screeningAll travellers are subject to body temperature screening upon entry into Hong Kong.Departure feesAn airport departure tax of HKD120 and a ferry embarkation tax of HKD19 are normally included in the price of a plane ticket to or from Hong Kong. Confirm these taxes are included with your air carrier.Children and travelChildren need special documentation to visit certain countries. See Children for more information.Yellow feverSee Health to obtain information on this country's vaccination requirements.5. HEALTHMedical services and facilitiesGood medical care is widely available. Private hospitals may require confirmation of insurance coverage, guarantee of payment or an up-front deposit before admitting patients.6. LAWS AND CULTUREYou are subject to local laws. See Arrest and detention for more information.LawsPenalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.Hong Kong has strict laws regarding weapons and items that may be used as weapons. You are liable for prosecution when transiting through Hong Kong International Airport if you have items such as knuckledusters, extendable batons, live ammunition or stunning devices in your carry-on or checked bags.Taking photographs of military installations is strongly discouraged. Cameras may be confiscated.DrivingTraffic drives on the left.An International Driving Permit is recommended.Drivers involved in an accident are tested for alcohol consumption and may face prosecution if they exceed the legal limit (blood alcohol concentration of 0.05).The use of a cellular phone while driving is strictly prohibited unless the phone is fitted with a hands-free device. Dual citizenshipDual citizenship is not legally recognized in China. If local authorities consider you a Chinese citizen, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services, thereby preventing Canadian consular officials from providing you with those services. You should always travel using your valid Canadian passport and present yourself as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times to minimize this risk. You may also need to carry and present a Chinese passport for legal reasons, for example to enter and exit the country (see Entry/exit requirements to determine passport requirements). Citizenship is determined solely by national laws, and the decision to recognize dual citizenship rests completely with the country in which you are located when seeking consular assistance. See Travelling as a dual citizen for more information.While dual citizenship is not legally recognized in mainland China, Hong Kong authorities recognize dual citizenship under the “one country, two systems” framework. In accordance with the bilateral agreement between Canada and Hong Kong SAR, local authorities advise Canadian consular officials in Hong Kong when Canadian citizens are arrested or detained, and also provide them with consular access to these Canadian citizens. You are encouraged to advise local authorities of your Canadian citizenship if you are detained or arrested.Canadians who were born in Hong Kong must declare their Canadian citizenship to the Hong Kong Immigration Department for their Canadian citizenship to be recognized by local authorities. If this declaration is not made, local authorities may consider such individuals to be Chinese. For further information, contact the Hong Kong Immigration Department.MoneyThe currency is the Hong Kong dollar (HKD). Foreign currency and traveller's cheques can be exchanged at banks and hotels. U.S. dollar traveller's cheques are recommended. Credit cards are widely accepted. Automated banking machines are widely available.7. DISASTERS AND CLIMATEThe rainy (or monsoon) season extends from May to October. Typhoons usually occur between April and October. The Hong Kong Observatory provides information on weather conditions. Local authorities are very effective at disseminating information about upcoming storms to the public, in order to reduce the risks to both citizens and tourists. Severe rainstorms have occasionally caused flooding and landslides, resulting in loss of life and damage to infrastructure. Keep informed of regional weather forecasts and follow the advice of local authorities.Consult our Typhoons and monsoons page for more information.

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